So you’ve saved up for the past few months and have finally managed to convince yourself that you really do need a new TV. You’ve done your research and you managed to get a really good deal, but now you are left facing one final problem…just how do you go about choosing the right type of wall mount for your precious LCD or plasma TV?
Choosing a TV wall mount sounds like an easy job, but there are actually a lot of things that you need to consider before making a purchase. This article will give you an overview of the things that you need to think about so that hopefully you will be able to take all the hassle out of finding the right kind of mount for your particular needs.
The first thing you need to consider is whether you need your mount to be adjustable once it is on the wall. There are basically four types of TV mount – the most basic of which is often called a fixed mount. As you may imagine, these types of mounts simply hold the TV flush against the wall. As they are the simplest type of mount they are often the cheapest, however they do not allow you to tilt or adjust the TV, so if you use this type of mount you have to be 100% certain that you have found the perfect position for your TV, otherwise you may find yourself having to sit awkwardly just in order to see the screen.
The next type of mount is known as a tilt mount. As the name suggests these mounts allow you to tilt the TV up or down once it is on the wall. They are a little more expensive than the fixed mounts, but they do give you the flexibility to change the angle of the TV – this is especially handy is your TV is near a window because the angle of the screen may have to be adjusted at different times of day in order to avoid glare.
The third type of mount combines a tilt mechanism with a swivel mechanism. This mount not only allows you to tilt the TV up and down, but you can also swivel it horizontally. This is really good if you want to watch TV from several different positions. These mounts are also ideal as they allow you to move your furniture around without compromising your home cinema experience.
Finally there are articulated arm mounts. These feature a sophisticated arm system that gives you the greatest level of flexibility. The arm folds away so the TV can be pushed flat against the wall while not in use. You can then pull the TV away from the wall and position it anyway you please in order to get the best viewing angle. These types of mount are ideal for those people who want to be able to watch the TV from different rooms – from the dining room while you are eating dinner for example. However, as they are the most complicated type of mount, they are also generally the most expensive option as well.
Something else you should consider before making your purchase is that some TVs require that you use a specific type of mount, while others simply have standard spaced holes in the back to allow you to use practically any mount you wish. Make sure you check your TV owner’s manual to see whether your TV is compatible with all mounts or whether you require a specific type.
Choosing the right type of tv mounting really does depend on your own personal needs. If you definitely know where you are going to place your TV then a standard fixed mount should be adequate, but if you want maximum flexibility then an articulated arm type of mount would be what you need. There’s a lot of information online, and remember you can always ask a sales assistant at your local home entertainment centre to help you if you are still unsure.